TO RECOGNIZE RUSSELL & JEFFCOAT REAL ESTATE AT THE CELEBRATION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO CONGRATULATE THE AGENCY ON HALF A CENTURY OF OUTSTANDINGLY SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURIAL ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Russell & Jeffcoat Real Estate, the largest and one of the most recognized residential real estate firms in the Midlands of South Carolina, turns fifty years old in April 2015; and
Whereas, founder Robert R. Russell, Jr., who at eighty-five years old still serves as chairman of the board, started the company from scratch in 1965 with an idea and hard work. Having worked for another real estate agency in Columbia for eight years, Bob Russell began his own company at the age of thirty-five, along with his wife, who worked as secretary, and one salesman. The first top-of-the-line salesman Bob Russell hired was the late Abb Jeffcoat. Bob eventually made Abb his sales manager and sold him a twenty-five percent share in his company. A few years later, he gave Abb another twenty-five percent share, making him a full partner; and
Whereas, Bob Russell and Abb Jeffcoat have made Russell & Jeffcoat not only the number-one real estate company in the Midlands but also one of the largest in the Southeast. With reputation, integrity, and honesty as the company's cornerstones, Russell & Jeffcoat continues to uphold a tradition of performance and success; and
Whereas, further, Bob Russell's and Abb Jeffcoat's dedication to the service of others has not gone unappreciated. In 1996, they received the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor awarded by the State of South Carolina; and
Whereas, the two men maintained a long-standing business partnership until Abb passed away in 2011. From developing and marketing subdivisions to working with economic leaders for the purpose of bringing new business to the area, Bob and Abb have been instrumental in helping Columbia grow and prosper; and
Whereas, appreciative of its significant contributions to the prosperity of the Palmetto State, the General Assembly takes great pleasure in honoring Russell & Jeffcoat Real Estate and its dynamic entrepreneurial heart, Bob Russell, on the occasion of the company's fiftieth anniversary. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize Russell & Jeffcoat Real Estate at the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary and congratulate the agency on half a century of outstandingly successful entrepreneurial endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Russell & Jeffcoat Real Estate.